April 17, 2013

My sister and her family live in Boston – they have for many years. And I have been to Boston countless times. So on Tuesday morning, the day after the Boston Marathon, I planned to wear my Boston T-shirt to work to show support for all the runners, the spectators, the rescue workers, just everyone in Boston affected by the terrorist attacks.

Me (in my sister’s Boston sweatshirt) and my sister

I tore apart my closet of thousands of T-shirts – and no Boston T-shirt! I don’t know how it’s possible, since I seem to have a T-shirt from every place I have ever been in the world, from Peru to Greece, and every race I have ever run. But none from Boston??

I didn’t even have a ball cap or a visor or a headband. But I did find this photo of my sister and me, when we were in California, and I was cold, and she apparently loaned me her Boston sweatshirt to wear for the day, so that’s my tribute to Boston today. I love that town, I love those people and my heart is there with everyone, even if I can’t wear Boston literally on my sleeve.

Ribbon for runners at Falafel 5K

And I’m not alone, of course. Runners are runners wherever you go, and we always stand in solidarity. Lots of races taking place across Western North Carolina and Asheville today will honor the people of Boston, and especially those who lost their lives Monday at the Boston Marathon and who were injured.

The Morris Broadband Dupont Forest Half Marathon on Saturday will honor Boston by asking runners and race volunteers to wear blue or yellow or both, and the Falafel 5K on Sunday will give out blue and yellow ribbons to runners coming to pick up their race packets Friday afternoon at the Jewish Community Center and will also hold a moment of silence for the Boston Marathon victims before the start of the race on Sunday. They are also asking folks to donate to the American Red Cross.

If you have any plans to honor Boston Marathon runners or victims, or just want to reach out, shoot me an email at KChavez@CITIZEN-TIMES.com or tweet me (that always sounds weird, but do it anyway) @KarenChavezACT.

Here are the details on the Falafel 5K – you can sign up online through midnight tomorrow, that’s Thursday, April 18:

The Falafel 5K starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 21, at the Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte St. in Asheville. All runners get a gift bag and free falafel (mushed up chickpeas and spices) sandwich at the finish line.

A new challenge this year is the Zip’s School Challenge – an easy way for public city schools to raise money for their PTO while promoting health and fitness throughout the school community.

Registration for the Zip’s School Challenge is free by going to www.imathlete.com/events/Falafel5K.

The school with the most walker/runners participating in the Falafel 5K April 21 or the Camp Ruach Fun Run wins $500 cash, second place wins $250. Schools must assign a communications captain to act as point person for race director, Kelly Allen.

The captain registers the school then motivates as many friends, family, neighbors to run/walk for their school. Participants choose their school during the registration process.

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Karen Chavez and her dog Shelby will take you on their outdoor adventures in one of the greatest outdoor towns in America. They also want to hear about your adventures and answer your outdoor questions.
Contact Karen by email at kchavez@CITIZEN-TIMES.com.